2 J-K cops arrested as teenager killed in firing, probe ordered

Azhar Qadri

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 18

Two policemen, including an officer, were arrested today after a 17-year-old boy was killed in police firing in Budgam district of central Kashmir, triggering violent clashes and prompting the state government to order a magisterial probe. 

The police admitted its forces “acted in violation of the laid down standard operating procedure (SOP)” while dealing with the protesters at the Narbal locality in Budgam during a shutdown called by Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

A police spokesman said Constable Javaid Ahmad had fired at the youth, Suhail Ahmad Sofi, with his service rifle on the directions of ASI Manzoor Ahmad. “Both have been arrested and further investigation is underway,” he said. Magam police station SHO Khursheed-ur-Rehman has also been attached for “lack of supervision”.

The police have registered a case under five sections of the Ranbir Penal Code, including murder, rioting and unlawful assembly. “The ADC has been asked to probe the incident and submit a report within 15 days,” said Budgam DM Mir Altaf Ahmad. Sofi, a Class-IX student, was hit by a bullet, according to doctors, and was brought dead at a hospital in Srinagar. Sofi’s family alleged he was shot after being detained by the police.